31 Ole Miss

As Qb Manning Goes, So Will Go The Rebels

August 23, 2002

RED-LETTER DAY: Oct. 19, at Alabama. The first of three consecutive SEC West games (two on the road) that will determine where the Rebels will finish in the division -- and where they'll spend the holidays.

LITTLE WHITE LIE: Junior QB Eli Manning is a media creation and is overhyped. Actually, his stats are comparable to his brother's at the same point in their careers, and he has gotten bigger and stronger in the offseason.

TRUE-BLUE STAR: Manning completed 64 percent of his passes for 31 touchdowns and 2,948 yards, with nine picks. And that was with mediocre receivers.

THE BUZZ: The Rebels have won at least seven games in each of the past five seasons and should make it six in a row. The offense will be fine. The defense, especially a rebuilt secondary, is the concern.